This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Individuals exposed to lead over a period of weeks, months, or years can develop lead poisoning. The poisoning occurs as even small amounts of lead build up in the body. Although anyone can get lead poisoning, small children are especially vulnerable and can develop problems with mental and physical development and even death.[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source While you can treat lead poisoning, prevention is the best precaution to protect your family and yourself.[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Acknowledge risk factors. Certain persons are at an increased risk of developing lead poisoning. Knowing the following risk factors may help you identify symptoms and get treatment in a timely manner. Risk factors include:

Age. Infants and young children are more likely to develop lead poisoning from chewing paint chips or inhaling lead dust. Children absorb lead into their bloodstreams more easily than adults.

Residence. Living in older homes can expose you to lead paints, which were banned in the 1970s.

Hobbies. Making stained glass, which requires the use of lead solder, and refinishing old furniture can expose you to lead.

Country of origin. Persons living in developing countries are at a higher risk because these places often have less stringent laws on lead exposure.

Recognize the symptoms of lead poisoning in children. There are a variety of symptoms of lead poisoning, which present differently in children and adults. If you notice these signs or symptoms in your child, lead poisoning may be a possibility:

Schedule an appointment your doctor. If you develop any signs or symptoms of lead poisoning, or even suspect it, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Not treating lead poisoning can affect brain development in children, and cause issues with the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults. It can also lead to death.

Your doctor may order tests, such as a blood test, to definitively diagnose lead poisoning. She will likely look for signs of iron deficiency (anemia), which is associated with lead toxicity, and may also conduct a physical examination. From here, she can formulate a treatment plan.[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Some doctors may test children for lead poisoning as a part of regular check ups.[4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Remove the lead contaminant from your environment. The first and most important part of treatment for lead poisoning is to remove the source of the contamination.[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source For persons with lower levels of lead in the body, removing the contaminant may be enough to reduce blood lead levels.[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Contact your local health department, which can recommend ways to identify the source of the contamination in your home or community.[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

You may want to hire a professional who can locate and abate lead contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency offers a service to help you locate Certified Renovation and Lead Dust Sampling Technician Firms, which can help you remove your problem.[8]XResearch source The service is available at http://www2.epa.gov/lead.

Undergo chelation therapy. If you have higher levels of lead in your body, your doctor may prescribe that you undergo chelation therapy.[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source This treatment can help your body excrete lead in your urine with medication.[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Chelation therapy uses mineral ions or cations that bond with lead in your body. Once this bond is formed, the mineral ions or cations help your body excrete the lead in your urine.[11]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source

Chelation therapy in children may be at lower levels than in adults.[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Chelation therapy is often given for either a 19 day course or two separate five day courses.[13]XTrustworthy SourceWorld Health OrganizationHealth information and news provided by the World Health OrganizationGo to source

Get EDTA therapy. In some adults, your doctor may suggest treatment with three different drugs, which are commonly called ethylene diaminete traacetic acid, or EDTA.[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source Undergo these treatments if you have a severe case of lead poisoning, but be aware that it may not be possible to reverse damage.[15]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source This is particularly true if the lead has entered your bone.[16]XTrustworthy SourceWorld Health OrganizationHealth information and news provided by the World Health OrganizationGo to source

You may require more than one treatment of EDTA to remove lead from your body.[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

EDTA is administered intravenously.[18]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source There is some evidence that intravenous administration of the medication may be more effective at removing lead than oral preparations.[19]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Wash hands and toys often and thoroughly. Children often develop lead poisoning as a result of hand to mouth ingestion. Washing their hands and toys often and thoroughly can help minimize the risk of contamination.

Wash your child’s hands in warm water with a mild soap for at least 20 seconds after outdoor play, before eating, and at bedtime.

Steer children away from exposed soil. Soil, which children may put in their mouths, can expose them to lead. Keeping them away from bare soil and making them wash their hands frequently may help prevent lead exposure and poisoning.

If you have exposed soil, cover it with grass or mulch.

If you are able, provide your children with a sandbox that you cover between uses.

Dine on healthy foods. A healthy diet can help your body lower lead absorption. Children in particular need sufficient calcium and iron in their diets to help lower possible lead exposure.

Adults should get between 1,800 – 2,200 calories per day, depending on activity level, age, weight, and sex. Infants to three year olds should get between 900 and 100 calories per day, while children between the ages of 4 and 13 need a range of 1200 – 1600 calories daily.[20]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source

Eat vitamin- and nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins.[21]XTrustworthy SourceEatRight.orgOrganization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitnessGo to source

Children need about two to three cups of dairy per day, which will provide them with their recommended dose of calcium.[22]XResearch source Children can get calcium from milk, cheese, yogurt, dark, leafy greens and oranges.

Children require between .27 mg and 8 mg of iron every day. They can get iron from lean meats and seafood, nuts, and fortified grain products.[23]XResearch source

It’s also important to drink enough water for hydration, which may help excrete lead from your urine. Adults need between nine and 16 cups of water a day. [24]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source Children need between five and eight glasses depending on age.[25]XResearch source

Renovate with care. If you are doing renovations on your home, it’s important to take care during the process, especially if your home is older. This can minimize your risk of exposure to lead and may prevent lead poisoning.

Don’t sand surfaces with lead paint. This can create large amounts of lead dust that you could inhale.

Don’t remove paint with an open flame torch because this can also create small lead particles that you could ingest.

Cover old paint that isn’t particularly chipped and thickly adhering to the wall. You can do this with another coat of paint, drywall, paneling, or encapsulation.

Wear protective equipment and clothing such as masks, suits, or articles that you can throw away. Don’t shake out your work clothes or wash them with other clothing.

Shower and wash your hair before leaving the site.

If you are renovating in or near your kitchen, watch for surfaces that may have lead dust accumulation. Either clean it off or eat someplace with a lower risk of lead exposure.

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Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

About this article

This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

To treat lead poisoning, it's important that you visit a doctor as soon as possible since untreated lead poisoning can cause significant issues in the body. Your doctor will run tests to determine whether you have lead poisoning and how severe it is. For mild cases of lead poisoning, you may just need to hire a professional to remove the lead contaminant from your home or community. However, for more serious cases of lead poisoning, your doctor may recommend chelation therapy, which uses medication to help your body excrete lead. Alternatively, for severe cases, your doctor might suggest ethylene diaminete traacetic acid therapy. For advice from our Medical co-author, like how to prevent lead poisoning, keep reading.